The Chicago Bears find themselves at an intriguing crossroads as they approach NFL free agency. While their offense doesn't feature many key free agents, the defense has several players whose futures in Chicago are uncertain. That doesn't mean the Bears won't be looking to shake things up on offense if the right opportunity presents itself.
Veteran wide receiver D.J. Moore and tight end Cole Kmet are two names that have surfaced as potential trade assets.
With promising young talent emerging in their positions, the Bears might consider moving them if the right deal comes along. However, there's no urgency to part ways with Moore or Kmet this offseason.
A recent development involving Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts could influence the Bears' strategy. Pitts is set to receive the franchise tag, taking him off the free-agent market with a one-year deal worth over $15 million guaranteed. This move could spark interest in Kmet, as teams searching for a tight end might now see him as a valuable option.
With Pitts no longer available, the tight end market narrows, leaving Dallas Goedert, Isaiah Likely, David Njoku, and potentially Travis Kelce as the top options. If Kelce decides to continue his career in Kansas City, teams may turn their attention to second-tier free agents like Chig Okonkwo or consider trading for Kmet. Both Kmet and Okonkwo are solid top-15 tight ends, even if they aren't considered game-changers.
Trading Kmet before June 1 could provide the Bears with significant cap savings-$8.4 million and $10 million over the next two years, according to Over The Cap. The financial hit in terms of dead money would be minimal, with only $3.2 million and $1.6 million over that period.
Kmet's role shifted last season with the arrival of Colston Loveland from the 2025 NFL Draft. His production dipped to 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns over 16 games, numbers reminiscent of his rookie year in 2020. Despite this, Kmet has demonstrated his potential as a leading tight end during his early years with the Bears.
Chicago should aim for substantial draft capital or a player that addresses a key need if they decide to trade Kmet. They’re in no rush to offload him for a low return. Retaining Kmet alongside Loveland could solidify one of the league's top tight end duos heading into 2026.